[Noninvasive cardiac electric stimulation in emergencies]

The results of electrical transcutaneous cardiac stimulation (ETCCS) were evaluated in 38 emergency situations seen at the Emergency Service of the Hospital 12 de Octubre (Madrid) during one year. ETCCS is a noninvasive stimulation procedure through electrodes placed on the chest surface (negative left sub-mamillary and positive right infraclavicular--AA--or left subscapular--AP2--). The stimulation impulse has a duration of 0.01-0.04 seconds depending on the type of device used, with intensities which can achieve 200 mA and stimulation frequencies up to 180/min. The high electrical (97.4%) and mechanical (75.7%) effectiveness of ETCCS in our series, its acceptable tolerance (80.1% of the conscious patients) and its easy management have led us to support the use of electrocardiographic monitor-defibrillator-ETCCS units for the complete early electrical support of emergencies associated with disorders of the cardiac rhythm. This support may be given in emergency areas with minimal training requirements.